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Charred Wooden Shingles and Underfloor Cooling Define Sustainable Living in a Modular Residence

Author:
Marzia Amani
Charred Wooden Shingles and Underfloor Cooling Define Sustainable Living in a Modular Residence

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and enhanced by underfloor cooling, the residence exemplifies a sustainable approach to modular living, harmonizing nature and contemporary family needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a flexible layout allowing for future modifications based on resident needs.
04
Utilizes underfloor cooling systems to optimize energy efficiency and comfort.
05
Integrates native landscaping to promote biodiversity and environmental harmony.

### Project Overview
Located within a culturally rich urban environment, the design integrates contemporary architectural principles with the values inherent to Emirati culture. The primary intent is to create adaptable living spaces that accommodate modern lifestyle requirements while promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. By prioritizing energy-efficient technologies and materials, the design aims to encourage conscientious living practices among its residents.

### Spatial Configuration and User Interactivity
The architecture features a dynamic layout that emphasizes connectivity and interaction among inhabitants. Public and private spaces are carefully arranged to foster family engagement, with an open living area that serves as a central gathering point. The design also highlights a deliberate flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, incorporating gardens and potential pool areas that meld with the surrounding landscape. Master bedrooms are strategically positioned to offer privacy while allowing for expansive views, thereby enhancing user experience.

### Material Selection and Environmental Integration
The material palette is chosen for its sustainability and functional attributes, including white stucco for its reflective cooling properties, wood cladding to introduce warmth and texture, stainless steel for structural integrity, and extensive use of glass to optimize natural lighting. This thoughtful selection not only contributes to the aesthetic quality of the residence but also addresses local climatic challenges. The landscape design incorporates native plants that enhance biodiversity and privacy, while promoting thermal comfort for the residence.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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